TOPICS

AS KIDS ARRIVE (10 minutes)

OPENING PRAYER AND PRAISE (5 minutes)

MEMORY WORK (12 minutes)

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:14 NIVLet the kids greet each other using the memory verse. Have one child say the first part of the verse, and the other child reply by saying the last part of the verse. Have the children greet everyone at least once in this manner.

SCRIPTURE READING AND DISCUSSION (15 minutes)

Introduction:Sometime after Jesus was born, some special visitors came to see Him. These visitors were called magi. However, they were also known by other names, such as wise men, or kings. Everyone has probably heard the Christmas carol that goes "We three kings of Orient are..." Without a doubt they were wise, because they were searching for Jesus in order to worship him and give him gifts. Before reading the Bible passage, have one or two volunteers look up the words magi and myrrh in a Bible dictionary, and share the definition with the class.

magi (may-juy) Men of Arabia and Persia who studied the stars. People thought they had the power to tell the meaning of dreams. Wise men from the east.

myrrh (mur) A plant used for spice, medicine or cosmetic purposes.

Read Matthew 2:1-12 (The Magi Visit Jesus)Have the kids find this story in their Bibles. Ask for volunteers to read the passage, or if you prefer you can read it to the children.

Discussion Questions:1.What did the magi see that caused them to look for Jesus? (A star in the east.)2. How did King Herod know that the magi would find Jesus in Bethlehem? (He asked the chief priests and teachers of the law, who knew the prophecy that said a ruler of the Israeli people would come from Bethlehem.)3. What gifts did the magi give to Jesus? (Gold, incense and myrrh.)4. Why did the magi give these gifts instead of "normal" gifts like clothes or food? (Perhaps these were gifts that were more fitting for a king.)5. Besides giving gifts, what else did the magi do when they saw Jesus? (They worshipped Him.)

CLASS EXERCISE (15-20 minutes)

APPLICATION (4 minutes)

The story about the birth of Jesus teaches us many things. We learn about being pleasing to God from the Virgin Mary. When we live a life that is pleasing to God and others, God can use us in wonderful ways. Joseph teaches us that by living a righteous life, God will help us in times of difficulty and show us the way. The long and tiring journey to Bethlehem and the manger teaches us how God will always keep His promises, and that we have hope and assurance in Jesus. As the angel told the shepherds, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born." Then finally, the visit of the magi, or the wise men, show us that it is natural and expected to worship our Lord and Savior. Let's remember to put Jesus first, and worship Him during this time of the year.

NEXT WEEK

Choose another great lesson series form Kid's Sunday School Place. Make it Count! Make if Fun!